Stephen Bush
@stephenkb.bsky.social
Associate editor and columnist @financialtimes.com. Post too often about culture, public policy, management, politics, nerd stuff, Arsenal, wosoc. Try my UK politics newsletter for free here: www.ft.com/tryinsidepolitics
One of the all-time great pieces of ludonarrative dissonance. 'I'm a parent who has seen their spouse gunned down before them and their baby kidnapped. Sure, I've got time to perform some random fetch quest for you. Why not?'
November 12, 2025 at 2:38 AM
One of the all-time great pieces of ludonarrative dissonance. 'I'm a parent who has seen their spouse gunned down before them and their baby kidnapped. Sure, I've got time to perform some random fetch quest for you. Why not?'
It doesn't matter for around a third to 40 per cent of readers. Unfortunately, it really does matter for the remainder.
November 12, 2025 at 1:56 AM
It doesn't matter for around a third to 40 per cent of readers. Unfortunately, it really does matter for the remainder.
Not replying to the requests for comment before the 10 would be worse. (I mean in general the 10 just does not matter any more in any case.)
November 12, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Not replying to the requests for comment before the 10 would be worse. (I mean in general the 10 just does not matter any more in any case.)
Yes he does, and yes, me too.
November 12, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Yes he does, and yes, me too.
It's the accent, I think.
November 12, 2025 at 12:34 AM
It's the accent, I think.
Reposted by Stephen Bush
Me in a tiny hardware shop in a poor part of osaka: ooh these jikatabi look interesting, do you have them in my size? probably don't but....
Upper-middle-age japanese woman: maybe, what's your size?
Me: [aus/uk men's 12]
Japanese woman: Spit-laughs, then apologises.
Upper-middle-age japanese woman: maybe, what's your size?
Me: [aus/uk men's 12]
Japanese woman: Spit-laughs, then apologises.
November 12, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Me in a tiny hardware shop in a poor part of osaka: ooh these jikatabi look interesting, do you have them in my size? probably don't but....
Upper-middle-age japanese woman: maybe, what's your size?
Me: [aus/uk men's 12]
Japanese woman: Spit-laughs, then apologises.
Upper-middle-age japanese woman: maybe, what's your size?
Me: [aus/uk men's 12]
Japanese woman: Spit-laughs, then apologises.
Because he is named in the story and was asked for comment - if he had 'no commented on it', the evening before he was doing the media round, would be an even bigger story. Streeting is the name because Streeting and Rayner were the names No 10 shroud waves with.
November 12, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Because he is named in the story and was asked for comment - if he had 'no commented on it', the evening before he was doing the media round, would be an even bigger story. Streeting is the name because Streeting and Rayner were the names No 10 shroud waves with.
He hasn't 'put a statement out'. Sorry, you've just completely misunderstood this story.
November 12, 2025 at 12:22 AM
He hasn't 'put a statement out'. Sorry, you've just completely misunderstood this story.
Yes, but the flipside is...no-one needs to say this at this point!
November 12, 2025 at 12:19 AM
Yes, but the flipside is...no-one needs to say this at this point!
No offence, but if you think this story *actually* reflects on what Wes Streeting is doing, not on Downing Street, I have a bridge to sell you.
November 12, 2025 at 12:18 AM
No offence, but if you think this story *actually* reflects on what Wes Streeting is doing, not on Downing Street, I have a bridge to sell you.
Oh, this joke has brought me so much joy, thank you, I will laugh whenever I see the shoes. (Every other day, when I see them in the wardrobe, where they will never again leave.)
November 12, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Oh, this joke has brought me so much joy, thank you, I will laugh whenever I see the shoes. (Every other day, when I see them in the wardrobe, where they will never again leave.)
Reposted by Stephen Bush
If you put it up to your ear, you can just hear the whimper of optimism dying.
November 12, 2025 at 12:13 AM
If you put it up to your ear, you can just hear the whimper of optimism dying.
If I were a pop star, I could probably *charge* for my soiled clothing.
November 12, 2025 at 12:12 AM
If I were a pop star, I could probably *charge* for my soiled clothing.
'I'll wear it when we have people round for house parties!' I told my partner.
November 12, 2025 at 12:11 AM
'I'll wear it when we have people round for house parties!' I told my partner.
Relatedly, if anyone wants a lovely suede sandshoe, size 12, only a v small bloodstain on the inside, I am open to offers.
November 12, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Relatedly, if anyone wants a lovely suede sandshoe, size 12, only a v small bloodstain on the inside, I am open to offers.
'So you don't have it in a 13? But maybe...the universe will shrink my feet to fit this pretty shoe?' - me, bi-annually.
November 12, 2025 at 12:08 AM
'So you don't have it in a 13? But maybe...the universe will shrink my feet to fit this pretty shoe?' - me, bi-annually.
There isn't anything to it! Yes, the PLP is deeply unhappy and looking around, but no, that is not something Wes Streeting is orchestrating.
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
There isn't anything to it! Yes, the PLP is deeply unhappy and looking around, but no, that is not something Wes Streeting is orchestrating.
God, yes, I did not come away from the Pimlott thinking more of Wilson and the idea of reading it now during the remake absolutely no-one wanted:!!
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
God, yes, I did not come away from the Pimlott thinking more of Wilson and the idea of reading it now during the remake absolutely no-one wanted:!!